University of Miami Law Student Arianne Ontiveros Selected for Prestigious 2026 IPLI Program

Arianne Ontiveros, a Miami Scholars Public Interest and Dean’s Merit Scholar at the University of Miami School of Law, has been selected as one of 26 law students nationwide to participate in the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Law Institute (IPLI) for 2026. The program, held over an intensive week in Washington, D.C., provides emerging legal professionals with substantive education, practical experiences, and professional development in intellectual property law.

Ontiveros, who is on track to graduate in May 2027, expressed enthusiasm about joining the program, noting the strong tradition of Miami Law students excelling in IPLI. “Miami Law has a very strong legacy within IPLI,” she said. “I was thrilled to be chosen to learn from thought leaders in the intellectual property field.”

The IPLI was founded by Horacio Gutierrez, J.D. ’98, a University of Miami School of Law alumnus and former general counsel at Microsoft. Concerned by the underrepresentation of Hispanic law students in IP careers, Gutierrez launched the institute to create direct pathways for Hispanic attorneys. Now chief legal officer at The Walt Disney Company, Gutierrez’s initiative continues to empower Miami Law students like Ontiveros.

The weeklong program offers scholars a comprehensive curriculum including writing and interviewing workshops, resume reviews, mock interviews, and mentorship pairings with sponsors and alumni mentors. This immersive experience is designed to bridge academic knowledge with practical skills essential for a career in IP law.

Ontiveros’s interest in intellectual property law stems from her background in communication, marketing, and entrepreneurship. A graduate of the University of Southern California with degrees in Communication and Law, History, and Culture, she first recognized the importance of IP law during a business communication course.

Her passion deepened during a gap year when she co-founded Girls Run the 915, a women’s running club in El Paso, Texas. As the club’s social media following grew to nearly 20,000, Ontiveros encountered challenges with brand imitation, which highlighted the critical role of intellectual property protection. She began researching trademark filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and negotiating brand partnerships with major athletic companies such as Lululemon and On Running.

At Miami Law, Ontiveros has further honed her IP expertise through courses like the trademark class taught by Startup Clinic director Jaime Rich Vining. The practical training, including drafting office actions and redlining agreements, has been instrumental in connecting legal theory with real-world application.

During the IPLI program, a particularly impactful moment for Ontiveros was the fashion and entertainment panel featuring Kenneth Anand, author of Sneaker Law and an adjunct professor at Miami Law. Anand’s reminder that “law and creativity can intersect in a powerful and interesting way” resonated with her as a creative individual.

Ontiveros is actively applying this mindset as she continues her legal education. She serves on the executive boards of the Yvette Ostolaza Mock Trial Team and the Fashion Law Society. Additionally, she is gaining litigation experience as a law clerk at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie, P.A., building on prior work in immigration law at Fragomen and Las Américas Immigrant Advocacy Center.

Her selection for the 2026 IPLI program underscores both her dedication to intellectual property law and the University of Miami School of Law’s ongoing commitment to nurturing diverse talent in this specialized legal field.